We decided we needed to land somewhere for a couple weeks and catch up on more than sightseeing. But, the first thing we did was go to the beach.
Sandy St. Augustine Beach is located on Anastasia Island. Anastasia Island is a barrier island located off the northeast Atlantic coast just east of St. Augustine.
The water is so shallow that it is a perfect place for families to enjoy the water.
We arrived apparently just when school let out because lots of local kids hit the beach as we arrived. Boys driving pick ups filled with girls in bikinis in the back made us smile. Oh, where have those years gone?
The water is a soft shade of blue. The breeze was gentle. Nice way to start our visit to St. Augustine.
Walt was busy making new friends on the fishing pier.
The pelicans hang around the fishermen in hopes that they make a catch and while the fisherman is reeling his fish in the pelicans swoop by trying to snatch it off the fisherman's line. We have seen it happen and it is pretty funny. The fishermen don't think so though.
Before we started doing the things we needed done like laundry, car service, my pedicure, and grocery shopping we kept Walt's priorities straight by visiting the World Golf Hall Of Fame.
Just driving in is so pretty. There are hotels, condos, and houses that accommodate vacationers and long term residents.
There are two 4 1/2 star golf courses to play.
If you want to improve your game you can attend the Golf Academy.
The building that houses the museum is striking.
It was designed by the museum architecture specialist firm of E. Verner Johnson and Associates of Boston Massachusetts.
They also designed the surrounding facilities.
The World Golf Hall of Fame was originally located in Pinehurst, North Carolina, and was privately operated . The PGA of America took over management in 1983 and acquired full ownership in 1986. The Hall of Fame of Women's Golf that was located in Augusta, Georgia was renamed the LPGA Tour Hall of Fame and in 1998 it merged into the World Golf Hall of Fame.
In 1994 the global golf industry established a non-profit making body called the World Golf Foundation to promote the sport, with the creation of an enhanced Hall of Fame as one of its main objectives. Construction at the new site in St. Augustine began in 1996 and the new facility opened on May 19, 1998.
Each year new members are inducted into the Hall of Fame. The qualifications are very stringent making sure that they meet all the criteria for their contribution to the game of golf. This glittering Induction Crystal is Golf's Highest Honor.
Loved this sign that shows the mileage from the Museum to places where golf has had an impact. Vietnam you ask? That refers to Bob Hope's visits to Vietnam and much of his entertainment was around golf.
The first portion of the Museum revolves around Bob Hope with countless anecdotes in his ode to the game. The museum is very interactive and we very much enjoyed the videos they had of Bob Hope, Bing Crosby, Jack Benny and the like.
While we were there Walt was transported to the Old Course at Saint Andrews.
Trying out the Ping putters.
So many fun things to do.
The displays were very well done, entertaining and informational.
This is "The Perfect Swing." It is a lead crystal sculpture simulating the Arc of a golf swing. It is in the tower of the museum.
The view from the tower was awesome. Happily I was able to ride up in the glass elevator and even keep my eyes open. Still working on that fear of heights thing.
Birds eye view of the 18 hole grass putting course we get to play later.
Nice view of the Challenge Green.
With the museum admission you get two tries. We upped our entry to get Walt a hat and that included 8 tries.
After a couple shots he was able to get the distance right.............hmmm..............some left, some right and a couple right on. Not going to be the monthly winner!
The putting course was really fun and I even beat Walt on a couple holes.
Sparkle, glitter, shine of trophies. These were just a few that Nancy Lopez won. Her story and display were just amazing.
The coveted green jacket.
So many different symbols of recognition.
The Hall of Fame Museum features a permanent exhibition and a changing program of temporary exhibitions. It has exhibits on the game's history, heritage, and techniques; major players and organizations; golf course design, equipment, and dress; and new directions, such as ecological concerns in course management. All and all a happy, happy day for Walt and a most enjoyable one for me too.